MCPHEE SAYS

There is never such a thing as too much white paint.

If your husband won't let you paint wood consider a divorce.

Every room needs something that is shiny and black. It looks expensive.

If you find something under two hundred dollars that you fall in love with, buy it. Even if it means you can’t pay your phone bill for a month you’ll never regret it.

Move shit around and often.

Everything in your home should tell a story.

Mix stuff up Be courageous even a bit foolish. I hang lobster claws on my Christmas tree. More on that later.

Tablecloths can make good curtains and visa versa.

Buy books. A room full of books is always beautiful. And if you actually read them as well as display them, you’ll be smarter.

Bring the outside in. Make displays. Rocks and pebbles are free. So is beach glass.

Stay away from silk flowers.

Never ever display signs that say Live Laugh Love. Just go do it.

Did I mention white paint?

There is a place for Homesense, just be very very careful. Don’t get carried away in there. It’s a slippery slope and before you know it, you’ve got one of those damn signs in your front hallway that says this way to the beach.

There is no place for beige ever. Even if they try and give it another name like faun or morel or pebble, it’s still beige.

Be bold. Paint your floors. Paint your doors. If you don’t like the result. Paint them again.

Throw things out. I know I know, you’re attached to that needle point cushion your ex boyfriend’s mother made for you but we both know it’s ugly. If you can’t throw it out, well, that’s where I come in.

Yard sales can be gold mines. Always have cash in your wallet.

Travel.

Things don’t have to match.

Stay away from faux anything.

Forage through your granny’s house. It’s a treasure trove. Get the stories. You’ll come home with some good stuff and your granny will be happy.

Rules are meant to be broken. Write your own story. Love every tiny little flaw and imperfection in your house. Let the light in.

Now get out there and have some fun, but if you go behind my back and paint your living room beige I’m breaking up with you.